GALA revellers in Darwen are toasting the introduction of a beer tent for the first time in the event's history.

Real ale group CAMRA has stocked up with a wide range of beer, lager and perry which will be sold from a marquee in the main arena at the town's annual extravaganza on Saturday, August 21.

Darwen Gala Committee chairman Colin Briggs said: "In recent years we have been trying to introduce new ideas into the gala. We are hoping the beer tent will be a great success and something we will continue with in the future.

"We have the support of the police and hope nobody abuses the move."

The fun will kick off at 11am with a Morris dancing competition in the grounds of Holy Trinity School. Other entertainment will be put on by Darwen Town Centre Association during the morning.

A colourful parade, featuring up to 20 floats, will start at 12.30pm from Anchor Road and continue along the A666 to the gala field in Borough Road.

The Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, Coun Salas Kiani, and his wife Zohra, will officially open the gala at 1.30pm.

Darwen Kung Fu Club is putting on a Chinese lion dancing display and The Knights of Longshanks will invite visitors to join in with their medieval combat demonstrations.

The traditional five mile 'Round the Tower' challenge is expected to attracted hundreds of runners. Registration, costing £2, starts from 12.45pm at Punstock Road and there will be trophies for winners and spot prizes for finishers.

A free junior race for the under 14s will also take place.

Other attractions include Blow Jangle Carnival Band, children's entertainer Robert Falcon, Barn Owl Bill, charity stalls, a motorcycle show, a fun fair and displays by Bolton Mountain Rescue and the fire service.

Radio DJ Rob Charles from Century 105 will make a guest appearance during the afternoon.

Darwen Cycles and M & G Plastics of Darwen have donated a mountain bike for a free prize draw which also has a skateboard and Boots APS camera as prizes. Entry forms are included in the gala programme.

Mr Briggs said: "The gala is run by the people of Darwen for the people of Darwen. We have worked hard to put on a fantastic event so that charities can raise money for themselves and everybody can have a fun day.

"More than 2,000 people came last year and we are hoping even more will join us this time."

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